GB2386004A - Socket assembly - Google Patents

Socket assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2386004A
GB2386004A GB0129331A GB0129331A GB2386004A GB 2386004 A GB2386004 A GB 2386004A GB 0129331 A GB0129331 A GB 0129331A GB 0129331 A GB0129331 A GB 0129331A GB 2386004 A GB2386004 A GB 2386004A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
master device
power
socket assembly
interrupter
assembly
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB0129331A
Other versions
GB0129331D0 (en
GB2386004B (en
Inventor
Peter Steven Robertson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB0129331A priority Critical patent/GB2386004B/en
Publication of GB0129331D0 publication Critical patent/GB0129331D0/en
Priority to GB0412346A priority patent/GB2398441B/en
Priority to US10/497,851 priority patent/US7193335B2/en
Priority to DE60235490T priority patent/DE60235490D1/en
Priority to AU2002341209A priority patent/AU2002341209A1/en
Priority to AT02774997T priority patent/ATE459034T1/en
Priority to ES02774997T priority patent/ES2356367T3/en
Priority to CNB028271858A priority patent/CN1300658C/en
Priority to EP02774997A priority patent/EP1451668B1/en
Priority to PCT/GB2002/005093 priority patent/WO2003048911A2/en
Publication of GB2386004A publication Critical patent/GB2386004A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2386004B publication Critical patent/GB2386004B/en
Priority to HK05107447A priority patent/HK1075306A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/26Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
    • G06F1/266Arrangements to supply power to external peripherals either directly from the computer or under computer control, e.g. supply of power through the communication port, computer controlled power-strips
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/26Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
    • G06F1/28Supervision thereof, e.g. detecting power-supply failure by out of limits supervision
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F2200/00Indexing scheme relating to G06F1/04 - G06F1/32
    • G06F2200/26Indexing scheme relating to G06F1/26
    • G06F2200/261PC controlled powerstrip

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Joints Allowing Movement (AREA)
  • Bipolar Transistors (AREA)
  • Dry Shavers And Clippers (AREA)
  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
  • Supply And Distribution Of Alternating Current (AREA)
  • Remote Monitoring And Control Of Power-Distribution Networks (AREA)
  • Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
  • Connecting Device With Holders (AREA)
  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
  • Measurement Of The Respiration, Hearing Ability, Form, And Blood Characteristics Of Living Organisms (AREA)
  • Pressure Sensors (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analyzing Materials By The Use Of Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)

Abstract

A socket assembly comprising one or more sockets supplied with electrical power, an interrupter, and a means for communication between the interrupter an a master device, such as a computer or audio-visual equipment, where the interrupter is operable to interrupt the power supply in response to a change in the master device. This system allows the power supply to any peripherals connected to a master device to be discontinued automatically when the master device is switched off or a change in the output voltage or current drawn is sensed.

Description

SOCKET ASSEMBLY
Field of the Invention
s This invention relates to a new socket assembly and its use in the supply of electrical power to peripheral devices that are in communication with a master device.
Background and Prior Art
There are a number of electronic "master" devices (e.g. computers, audio-
visual and audio equipment) that are capable of being connected to, and used in conjunction with, one or more "peripheral" devices such as printers, scanners and monitors or hi-fi separates. Although each peripheral device is 5 only ever used in conjunction with the master device, it is often the case that each peripheral device requires connection to a power supply separate from that of the master device.
As the prevalence in the home of suites of master and peripheral devices 20 increases, so does the need for increased number of power supply outlets (e.g. mains sockets). To a large extent, the current need has been met by "multi-way", trailing-lead socket banks. When plugged in to a domestic mains socket, these socket banks provide two or more (usually two to six) power outlets.
Although socket banks provide a solution to the problem of how to provide sufficient numbers of power supply outlets for suites of master and peripheral devices, they do not address a further problem arising from such suites. That is, because each peripheral device is often independently so connected to a mains outlet, each such device may need to be turned off
t separately or isolated from the mains supply separately. Where a number of different peripheral devices are connected to a master device, the user of that master device may not remember and/or wish to expend the effort to turn off all of the peripheral devices at the same time as the master device.
5 The upshot of this can be that peripheral devices are left in operation, or at least connected to the live mains supply, during periods when the master device is not in use. The consumption of electrical power by the peripheral devices during such periods can cause unnecessary expense for the user.
Moreover, it can ultimately have a negative impact on the environment (e. g. lo by increasing the consumption of fossil fuels by power stations).
We have surprisingly found that an assembly of electrical outlet sockets to which the supply of electrical power can be interrupted in response to a signal from a master device solves the above-mentioned problems.
Description of the Invention
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an assembly comprising: to (i) one or more electrical outlet sockets; (ii) means for supplying electrical power to each outlet socket; (iii) an interrupter; and (iv) means for providing communication between the interrupter and a master device, :5 wherein the interrupter is operable, in response to a predetermined change in the master device, to interrupt the supply of electrical power to one or more of the sockets of the assembly, which assembly is referred to hereinafter as "the socket assembly of the 30 invention".
The master device with which the interrupter of the socket assembly of the invention can communicate is preferably independently-powered. When used herein, the term "independently-powered" includes arrangements where the supply of electrical power to the electrical outlet that powers the s master device is separate from the one or more sockets switchable by the interrupter. As such, the term preferably includes arrangements where the master device is powered by an electrical outlet that is physically separate from the socket assembly of the invention.
lo When the master device is powered by an electrical outlet socket that is switchable by the interrupter, then the interrupter, as well as being operable by the master device to interrupt the supply of electrical power to one or more outlet sockets of the socket assembly of the invention, may also be operable, following such interruption, to re-establish the supply of electrical power to at least the electrical outlet socket that supplies power to the master device.
The socket assembly of the invention may be adapted, in use, to supply electrical power derived from any suitable power source to each electrical so outlet socket. Suitable power sources may include a battery, a generator or, most preferably, the mains. Furthermore, the master device may be powered by electricity derived from any suitable power source, but is also preferably mains-powered.
25 Electrical power may be supplied to the socket assembly of the invention by any suitable means, such as a plug, which plug is preferably connected to the socket assembly via a lead (e.g. a flexible lead of the type typically used with trailing-lead socket banks). When electrical power is supplied to the socket assembly in this way, each outlet socket is supplied with electrical so power by way of electrical connections from the lead.
In the socket assembly of the invention, the interrupter may be any suitable arrangement or device that is capable of interrupting the supply of electrical power to an electrical outlet of the assembly. As such, a preferred interrupter is a relay of the solid state or, preferably, the electromechanical 5 variety. Preferred relays include those suitable for use with mains electricity (e.g. the Power PCB Relay RT1 obtainable from Schraek -).
Communication between the master device and a control input of the interrupter may be achieved using any suitable means, such as a direct lo electrical connection or, alternatively, a signal passing between a transmitter and a receiver. Suitable signal transmitters include those that emit electromagnetic radiation such as optical, infrared, microwave and, preferably, radio wave radiation.
The master device may be any electronic device that is capable of producing, or being adapted to produce, a predetermined change that is detectable by, and capable of operating, the interrupter. As such, preferred master devices include those that are capable of producing, or being adapted to produce, a change in input (e.g. a change in current or power so consumption) or, preferably, a change in output (e.g. an electrical or electromagnetic signal, or a variation in an otherwise constant or regular electrical or electromagnetic output) that can be used to operate the interrupter. Preferably, the master device is an electronic device that can communicate, and be used in conjunction, with one or more peripheral 25 devices. As such, preferred master devices include computers and electronic audio-visual or audio equipment (e.g. televisions or, preferably, amplifiers). When used herein, the term "peripheral devices" includes electronic devices so that operate in conjunction with the master device (e.g. by sending to and/or
s receiving from the master device a signal and/or data) in order to perform a function. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, where one or more peripheral devices is in communication with a master device, at least one of the peripheral devices does not receive its power supply from the master 5 device.
When the master device is an amplifier, peripheral devices that may be mentioned include speaker systems (e.g. sub-woofer(s)) and one or more sources of audio information (e.g. one or more of radio tuner, turntable, lo cassette deck, DAT player, CD player, video cassette player, DVD player and television). When the master device is a computer, peripheral devices that may be mentioned include one or more of monitor, printer, scanner, speaker(s), modem and video camera. When the master device is a television, peripheral devices that may be mentioned include one or more of Is speaker(s), amplifier, DVD player, games console and video cassette player.
The predetermined change in the master device that operates the interrupter is preferably a change in current consumption (e.g. the current drawn by the it.
master device for its operation) or, particularly, a change in output voltage.
no The latter is particularly preferable when the interrupter of the socket assembly according to the invention is in electrical communication with the master device. The output voltage may be derived from any suitable circuit of the master device, but is preferably derived from a circuit that is specifically adapted to produce an output voltage (e.g. a circuit having an as output that is intended to, or is capable of, powering a peripheral device).
When the predetermined change in the master device is a change in current consumption, the interrupter may be arranged to interrupt the supply of electrical power to one or more electrical outlet sockets of the socket so assembly of the invention in response to a fall in the current drawn by the
master device below a predetermined level. In this respect, the level of current drawn by the master device may be measured by any suitable means known to those skilled in the art. The predetermined level of current consumption by a master device at which the interrupter is arranged to 5 operate will depend upon the particular master device that is employed.
However, the level that is appropriate to a particular master device can be determined readily using techniques known to those skilled in the art.
When the master device is an amplifier, the output voltage may be lo conveniently derived from the "Bulgin" (i.e. switched outlet) socket of that amplifier. When the master device is a computer, the output voltage may be derived from the power supply to any of the computer's internal devices (e.g. hard Is drive, CD-ROM drive or disk drive). This may be achieved conveniently by sharing the power supply to an internal device by using a plug and socket arrangement that, as well as connecting the power supply to the internal device, also provides an outlet from which an output voltage may be derived. According to a preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the predetermined change in the master device that operates the interrupter is, or is caused by, the interruption of power to the main operating circuits of that device. By "main operating circuits" we include those circuits of the 25 master device that must be supplied with electrical power in order for the master device to perform its primary function. As such, the predetermined change in the master device preferably is, or is caused by, that device being switched off (e.g. using the switch, button or other means provided on the master device for that purpose).
According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the socket assembly is a socket bank of the type having a trailing lead (e.g. a multi-way socket bank, such as a 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 8- or 12-way socket bank) and the interrupter is located within the body of the socket 5 bank.
The socket assembly according to the invention may be used in conjunction with a wide variety of master devices. However, it may be most conveniently employed to provide electrical power to peripheral devices lo that are in communication with the master device. Thus, according to a second aspect of the invention there is provided the use of a socket assembly as hereinbefore defined for the supply of electrical power to one or more peripheral devices that are in communication with a master device.
15 In this aspect of the invention, the master device is preferably independently-powered. Further, preferred peripheral and master devices for use in this aspect of the invention include those mentioned hereinbefore.
By using the socket assembly according to the invention to supply power to to peripheral devices in this way, the supply of power to those peripheral devices may be interrupted in response to a predetermined change in the master device (such as the interruption power to the main operating circuits of that device).
25 Thus, according to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of interrupting the supply of power to one or more peripheral devices that are in communication with a master device, which method comprises:
(i) providing communication between the master device and the interrupter of an assembly of electrical outlet sockets having an interrupter, (ii) supplying power to one or more of the peripheral device(s) via that 5 electrical outlet socket assembly; (iii) supplying power to the main operating circuits of the master device; and then (iv) producing a predetermined change in the master device, which change operates the interrupter in the socket assembly to interrupt the supply lo of power to the electrical outlet sockets of the assembly that supply power the peripheral devices.
In this embodiment of the invention, it will be appreciated that steps (i) to (iii) may be performed in any order, but that step (iv) must be the final step 15 in the method.
In this aspect of the invention, the master device is preferably independently-powered. 20 In a preferred embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, the assembly of electrical outlet sockets having an interrupter is a socket assembly of the invention. Further, the predetermined change in step (iv) above preferably is, or is caused by, the interruption of power to the main operating circuits of the master device.
The power supplied to the peripheral and/or master devices is preferably mains electrical power.
Power to the main operating circuits of the master device may suitably be so supplied and interrupted by switching on and switching off the device,
respectively (e.g. as hereinbefore described in respect of switching off of the master device).
In the second and third aspects of the invention, communication between s the or each peripheral device and the master device is preferably via a direct electrical connection.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a socket assembly according to the invention that is suitable for use with a computer, as well as an interface and connector for deriving an output voltage from the computer; Figure 2 is a side view of the interface of Figure l secured to a computer housing; and Figure 3 is a perspective view of a socket assembly according to the invention that is suitable for use with an amplifier.
With reference to Figure 1, socket bank 1, which comprises a plurality of so outlet sockets la and an internal relay located in the region designated lb, is connected via leads 4 and Sa to plugs 4a and S. respectively. Plug 5 is of a type that is suitable for use with electrical mains sockets. Lead 4 provides an electrical connection between the relay located at lb and plug 4a.
25 The relay at lb is arranged such that the electrical connection between outlets la and lead Sa is only maintained whilst a voltage is supplied to the control input of the relay via lead 4.
Y-shaped connector lead 2 is a splitter that provides means by which an so output voltage may be supplied from a computer to an interface (3) for
- mounting in a suitable position on a computer housing, such as the back panel. Connector 2 comprises plug 2b, each pin of which is connected to two wires. One set of wires is connected to outlet 2a, whereas the other set of wires is connected to inlet socket 2c. In operation, plug 2b, which is 5 complementary in shape to the power sockets provided on certain internal devices of computers (e.g. hard drives, CD-ROM drives and disk drives), is connected to an internal device of a computer. Socket 2c is connected to an internal power supply of the computer. In this way, power is supplied to the outlet 2a as well as to the internal device of the computer.
Interface 3 is of a shape that is suitable for insertion into an expansion (PCI) slot of a computer, and may be secured to the computer housing via slot 3b.
Socket 3a is of a construction that is suitable for receiving plug 4a.
15 With reference to Figure 2, interface 3 is secured to computer housing Cl by screw 3c. Outlet 2a from connector 2 is connected to socket 3a via circuit board 3d. Once connected in this way, when the computer is operated such that power is supplied to connector 2, an output voltage is generated at socket 3a. This output voltage can then be used to operate a so socket assembly according to the invention (e.g. by connecting plug 4a of the assembly shown in Figure 1 to the socket 3a).
With reference to Figure 3, socket bank 6, which comprises a plurality of outlet sockets 6a and an internal relay located in the region designated 6b, is 25 connected via leads 7a and 8a to plugs 7 and 8, respectively. Plug 8 is of a type that is suitable for use with electrical mains sockets. Lead 7a provides an electrical connection between the relay located at 6b and plug 7. Plug 7 is of a type that is suitable for use with a switched outlet ("Bulgin" socket) of a hi-fi amplifier.
The relay at 6b is arranged such that the electrical connection between outlets 6a and lead 8a is only maintained whilst a voltage is supplied to the control input of the relay via lead 4. Such a voltage may be conveniently supplied by plugging plug 7 into the switched outlet of an operating hi-fi 5 amplifier. In such an arrangement, when the amplifier is switched off, a voltage is no longer supplied to the relay at lb, which then acts to break the electrical contact between lead 8a and outlets 6a.
The socket assembly of the invention has the advantage that, when used to lo supply power to one or more devices, the power supply to those devices may be interrupted both simply and conveniently by producing a predetermined change in a master device.
When one or more peripheral devices, each being in communication with a single master device, are powered via the socket assembly of the invention, this provides the further advantage that both time and electrical energy may be saved by allowing interruption of the power supply to the peripheral devices in response to a predetermined change in the master device (e.g. -
switching off of the master device).
Moreover, in such situations, because the socket assembly of the invention interrupts the power supply to the electrical outlet sockets, this provides the additional advantage that problems arising from the failure or malfunction of electrical circuits within the peripheral devices cannot pose a safety risk (e.g. an electrocution or fire risk) whilst the master device is not in operation. This is not the case when such peripheral devices are switched off using the switching means provided on the device alone (wherein electrical power is still supplied to the switching circuit of the peripheral device).

Claims (19)

Claims
1. An assembly comprising: (i) one or more electrical outlet sockets; 5 (ii) means for supplying electrical power to each outlet socket; (iii) an interrupter; and (iv) means for providing communication between the interrupter and a master device, wherein the interrupter is operable, in response to a predetermined lo change in the master device, to interrupt the supply of electrical power to one or more of the sockets of the assembly.
2. A socket assembly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the outlet sockets supply mains power.
3. A socket assembly as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the master device is mains-powered.
4. A socket assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, go wherein the master device is independently powered.
5. A socket assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for supplying power is a plug that is connected to the socket assembly via a lead.
6. A socket assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the predetermined change is the interruption of power to the main operating circuits of the master device.
7. A socket assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interrupter communicates with the master device via a direct electrical connection.
5
8. A socket assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the interrupter communicates with the master device via a signal transmitter and receiver.
9. A socket assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, lo wherein the predetermined change is a change in current consumption by the master device or a change in an output voltage from the master device.
10. A socket assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the master device is a computer, or audio-visual or audio equipment.
11. A socket assembly as claimed in Claim 9 wherein the master device is a computer and the output voltage is derived from the power supply to an internal device of the computer.
12. Use of a socket assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 11 for the supply of electrical power to one or more peripheral devices that are in communication with a master device.
25
13. Use as claimed in Claim 12, wherein communication between the or each peripheral device and the master device is via a direct electrical connection.
14 Use as claimed in Claim 12 or Claim 13, wherein the master device is an amplifier and the peripheral devices are speaker systems and one or more sources of audio information.
s
15. Use as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the sources of audio information are one or more of radio tuner, turntable, cassette deck, DAT player, video cassette player, DVD player and television.
16. Use as claimed in Claim 12 or Claim 13, wherein the master device is lo a computer and the peripheral devices are one or more of monitor, printer, scanner, speaker(s), modem and video camera.
17. A method of interrupting the supply of power to one or more peripheral devices that are in communication with a master device, which method comprises: (i) providing communication between the master device and the interrupter of an assembly of electrical outlet sockets having an interrupter, (ii) supplying power to one or more of the peripheral device(s) via that to electrical outlet socket assembly; (iii) supplying power to the main operating circuits of the master device; and then (iv) producing a predetermined change in the master device, which change operates the interrupter in the socket assembly to interrupt the supply of power to the electrical outlet sockets of the assembly that supply power the peripheral devices.
18. A method as claimed in Claim 17, wherein each peripheral device communicates with the master device via a direct electrical connection.
19. A method as claimed in Claim 17 or Claim 18, wherein the predetermined change in the master device is, or is caused try, the interruption of power to the main operating circuits of that device.
GB0129331A 2001-12-07 2001-12-07 Socket assembly Expired - Fee Related GB2386004B (en)

Priority Applications (11)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0129331A GB2386004B (en) 2001-12-07 2001-12-07 Socket assembly
ES02774997T ES2356367T3 (en) 2001-12-07 2002-11-11 MULTIPLE CURRENT DETECTION SET.
EP02774997A EP1451668B1 (en) 2001-12-07 2002-11-11 Sensing socket assembly
DE60235490T DE60235490D1 (en) 2001-12-07 2002-11-11 SENSOR BASE ARRANGEMENT
AU2002341209A AU2002341209A1 (en) 2001-12-07 2002-11-11 Sensing socket assembly
AT02774997T ATE459034T1 (en) 2001-12-07 2002-11-11 SENSOR BASE ARRANGEMENT
GB0412346A GB2398441B (en) 2001-12-07 2002-11-11 Sensing socket assembly
CNB028271858A CN1300658C (en) 2001-12-07 2002-11-11 Sensing socket assembly
US10/497,851 US7193335B2 (en) 2001-12-07 2002-11-11 Sensing socket assembly
PCT/GB2002/005093 WO2003048911A2 (en) 2001-12-07 2002-11-11 Sensing socket assembly
HK05107447A HK1075306A1 (en) 2001-12-07 2005-08-25 Sensing socket assembly

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0129331A GB2386004B (en) 2001-12-07 2001-12-07 Socket assembly

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0129331D0 GB0129331D0 (en) 2002-01-30
GB2386004A true GB2386004A (en) 2003-09-03
GB2386004B GB2386004B (en) 2005-08-24

Family

ID=9927208

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0129331A Expired - Fee Related GB2386004B (en) 2001-12-07 2001-12-07 Socket assembly
GB0412346A Expired - Lifetime GB2398441B (en) 2001-12-07 2002-11-11 Sensing socket assembly

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0412346A Expired - Lifetime GB2398441B (en) 2001-12-07 2002-11-11 Sensing socket assembly

Country Status (10)

Country Link
US (1) US7193335B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1451668B1 (en)
CN (1) CN1300658C (en)
AT (1) ATE459034T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2002341209A1 (en)
DE (1) DE60235490D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2356367T3 (en)
GB (2) GB2386004B (en)
HK (1) HK1075306A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2003048911A2 (en)

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US6940272B2 (en) 2002-10-10 2005-09-06 Green Socket Ltd. Electric socket control device
WO2006136812A1 (en) * 2005-06-21 2006-12-28 One Click (Ip) Limited Socket assembly with standby sockets

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US8250163B2 (en) 2005-06-09 2012-08-21 Whirlpool Corporation Smart coupling device
US8615332B2 (en) 2005-06-09 2013-12-24 Whirlpool Corporation Smart current attenuator for energy conservation in appliances
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GB0129331D0 (en) 2002-01-30
AU2002341209A1 (en) 2003-06-17
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GB2398441A8 (en) 2005-04-15
CN1615466A (en) 2005-05-11
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GB2386004B (en) 2005-08-24
EP1451668A2 (en) 2004-09-01
AU2002341209A8 (en) 2003-06-17
CN1300658C (en) 2007-02-14
US7193335B2 (en) 2007-03-20
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WO2003048911A2 (en) 2003-06-12
GB2398441A (en) 2004-08-18
ATE459034T1 (en) 2010-03-15

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